Panoramic camera.



W. J. JOHNSTON.

'PANORAMIO CAMERA.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 7, '1904.

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PATENTED 'NOV. 29, 1904.

w. J. JOHNSTON. PANORAMIG GAMERA. A PPLIGATI OH FILED JAE. 7, 1904.

mo MODEL;

PATBNTED NOV. 29, 1904.

W. J. JOHNSTON. PANORAMIG GAMERA.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 7, =w4.

11 0 MODEL.

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[NVENTOR eras, and more particularly to that class of in- UNITED STATES Patented November 29, 1904.

PATENT OEEIcE.

PANORAMIC CAMERA.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 776,463 dated NoVe/tnber e9, 1904.

Application filed January 7, 1904.

drawings.

My invention relates to photographic camstruments known as panoramic cameras, wherein the camera is made to revolve during exposure and the film is adapted to move in the same direction as the lens, the object being to provide a photographic instrument of the class described whereby a continuous panoramic view ofany scene within a circle or any portion of a circle may be produced. 4 'Afurther object of the invention is to produce an instrument of the class described wherein utility is combinedwith compactness, the purpose being to provide a panoramic camera that shall be simple in construction, practical, and easy of adjustment.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification, I have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, and

although it will be obvious that certain modifications of form and arrangement will suggest themselves to the skilled operator and mechanic such modifications come Well within the spirit of my invention as disclosed and claimed, and I do not, therefore, desire to be limited to the precise construction and arrangement shown.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section of the preferred form of my device with parts shown in elevation.

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section of the form shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is averticaltransverse section of the preferred form. Fig. 4 is a horizontal section or ine 4 l of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a detailed pt. ectiveview,of the stop mechanism. Fig. 6 is a detailed perspective view of the plate and guide-rolls and its retaining-blocks. Fig. 7 is a detailed elevation of the adjustable filnm'oll-clamp, mechanism. Fig. 8 is an enlarged section through the preferred form of Serial No. 188,046. No model.)

motor. Fig. 9is a detailed horizontal section taken through the plate and'guide-rolls. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the friction-spring which acts on-the top of the supply-roll.

Like figures refer to like parts in the several views.

1 designates theframework, comprising a suitable case. divided into two compartments, which are designated as 2 and 3. Thesecompartments are separated by a vertical partition 4. In the rear of the exposing-compartment 2 is a vertically-disposed film-supply roll 5, of any desired dimensions, on which is wound a flexible sensitized photographic film 6. This supply-roll is pivoted between two standards7, which are provided at both ends with notches 8. Two plates 9 are adjustably mounted on the standards, and suitably pivoted on each plate are two pawls 10, which are adapted to engage with the notches in the standards. Secured to the top plate in any suitable manner isa spring 11, which is provided with an elongated slot 12 in the center thereof and also with an elongated slot 13 at one end thereof, which is slidably mounted on a stud or lug 14. (See Fig. 10.) These slots permit the spring to give when necessary. One object of this arrangement for the film-roll 5 is to provide a means whereby any desired length of film or supply roll can be used in the camera and also that it may be suitably adjusted in any desired position, particularly when a narrow film is used, so that the film will traveluniformly across the point of exposure without regard to'its width. Another object of the arrangement just referred to is to provide a friction tension for the supply-roll 5,by means of the spring 11, in order to prevent the film from unrolling faster than necessary. In the same compartment is another and larger roll l5, to which one end of the film is attached -mounted a roll 17.

The compartment 3 contains the bellows and lens. The plate 16, which is easily removed and replaced in order to permit of the ad- This framework is preferably justment of the film in the camera, extends to the full height of the compartment 2, and is placed in close proximity to and in the rear of the partition 4. This plate may be of any desired width, but is preferably'slightly wider than the exposing-slot and is disposed so that it completely covers the slot and prevents light from entering the exposing-compartment through the film.

For the purpose of holding the plate 16 in position in the camera and in order to provide means by which it may be easily removed and 7 replaced, as hereinbefore stated, a block 19 is secured to the bottom of compartment 2. Between this block and the slot 18 the lower end of the plate is placed so that the rolls 17 rest against the film.- The plate is provided at the top with a snap-lock 20, which engages with a slot 21, which may be placed either in the top of the camera or in a block 22, secured to theside thereof above the slot 18, as shown. The slot 18, which is preferably narrow, extends vertically parallel to and equals in length the feed-roll 15. The slot diverges toward the film 6, as shown in the drawings, in order to admit of the vignetting or blending of the figure on the film, thereby avoiding the lines of demarcation between the multiplicity of images produced and which are blended together continuously in a panoramic view. This slot may be placed in any desired portion of the partition 4, which may be convenient for the carrying of the film from the supply to the feed-roll. The rolls 17 are preferably journaled in bearings 23, secured to the plate 16, and are removable with the plate, although if found desirable they may be pivoted in the framework, and thus made separable from the plate. These rolls are also preferably slightly greater in diameter than the thickness of the plate 16 in order that they may hold the film gently but firmly in place before the slot 18. On each side of the slot 18 and opposite the guide-rolls 17 is fastened a strip of some soft dark material, preferably black velvet, so that the movement of the film may be smooth and uninterrupted and which will at the same time aid in preventing light from penetrating the compartment 2. The feedroll 15 is hollow and has within it a plurality of disks 24 for the purpose of lending strength and firmness thereto. This-roll is mounted on a shaft 25, co6perating with the stub-shaft "26, to which stub-shaft 26 one end of the motor-spring 27 is secured. A pinion 28 is movably mounted on said stub-shaft and is adapted to engage with the stationary toothed wheel or rack 29.- This wheel or rack is rigidly mounted on the top of a camera-stand ortri- The shaft 25 and stub-shaft 26 are arranged. as shown in the preferred embodiment of my invention in order to admit of the winding of the motor-spring 27 Without n, cving the feed-roll or causing the camera to rotate on its axis.

. tion.

Near the outer edge of the upper surface of the stationary toothed wheel or rack 29 is an annular groove 31.

32 designates a, flat ring which is rigidly se- I cured to the bottom of the framework of the camera. This ring is provided underneath with an annular groove 33, which is disposed near its outer edge, the ring and wheel or rack 29 being preferably of the same circumference, and the two grooves are adapted to fit over each other. In the groove 31 is placed a plurality of antifriction-balls 31, and upon these the ring 32 revolves. If preferred, this revolution can be accomplished by means of antifriction-rollers without the use of the antifriction-balls and the annular grooves, said rollers being suitably disposed between the ring 32 and the toothed wheel or rack 29.

34 designates a sleeve secured to the top of the tripod, as shown, and which passes up through the toothed wheel 29 and the ring 32. Journaled within the sleeve is a rod or bolt '35, which is rigidly secured to the framework of the camera. This rod or bolt has a nut 36 on its lower end which is threaded for the purpose, the object being to hold the camera firmly in position when revolving and also to furnish a pivotal axis upon which the camera can revolve smoothly and equally. A gear-wheel 37 is rigidly secured to the hood or socket 38, which forms the lower end of the shaft 25. This wheel by means of a train of gearing 38 operates a shaft 39, on the lower end of which a fan 40 is mounted in any suitable manner. This fan regulates the action of the motor-spring 27, and consequently causes uniform revolutions of the shaft 25 and the revolution of the camera smoothly and equally on its .axis. The degree of speed required in the successful operation. of the camera forthe purposes for which it is intended is attained by changing the size of the wings of the fan or by disposing them at different angles with the shaft 39. The lower end of the stub-shaft 26 is squared, as shown at 41, for the purpose of holding a key.

As a means of etc pping the operation of'the eamera'at any desired point a locking mechanism is provided. This consists of the locking-lever 42, which is pivoted on a rod 43 and one end of which frictionally engages with the wheel 44, which is mounted on the shaft 39. A spiral spring 45 is secured at one end to the framework of the camera and the other end bears against the locking-lever, holding it firmly against the Wheel 44 when it is desired to lock the camera against further mo- This locking mechanism is controlled by means of the key 46, as shown, and when it is desired to start the camera in motion the luv turning of the key throws the lug 47 against inbefore mentioned, is to provide means whereby the motor-spring 27 may be wound without moving the feed roll or causing the to illustrate assume-that the diameter of the pinion 28 1s three-quarters of an inch, the diameter of the stationary toothed wheel 29 is roll formed in two parts and 26, as herei distance of lens desired to be used. Thus l l rotation of the camera on its pivotal axis. The

upper end of the lower portion 26 of said feed- I roll shaft rests in the hood or socket 38.

Rig-

idly mounted on said stub-shaft 26 is a ratchetl Wheel48; Secured to the gear-wl1eel'37 is a pawl 49, which engages with the ratchetwheel and prevents reverse movement of the 'gtub-shaft 26. The pinion 28 has secured to it apawl 50, which engages with notches 51 in the lower end of the stub-shaft and locks this tion it will be observed that the motor-spring 27 is disposed within the hollow feed-roll 15. 57 designates two plates between which is mounted the train of gearing to regulate the speed by operating the fansiO. 58 is a plate disposed above the motor-spring 27 and secured to the upper plate 57 by means of the standards or bolts 59, one end of the motorspring being fastened to one of these standards or bolts.

It will be observed that in the construction of my invention the feed-roll shaft, the motorspring, and the pinion 28, which engages with the stationary toothed wheel or rack 29, are all mounted on the same shaft, thus reducing lost motion to a minimum.

In operation the film 6 is placed on the roll 5.

One end thereof is then carried past the slot 18 and secured to the feed-roll '15, which must be placed in relation to the exposing-slot so that the film will be drawn in the same dirc'c tion as the lens travels in. covering the view proportionate to the focal distance of the lens,

and the secondary object of the-roll is to provide a means of disposing of the exposed portion of the film. By releasing the lockand starting the fan 40 the entire mechanism herein described and illustrated is placed in motion, and by exposing the film the scene desired to be taken is impressed thereon.

I have discovered that by changing the diameter of the. stationary toothed wheel or rack 29 or the pinion 28 or the feed-roll 15 in mathematical ratio the speed of the revoiution of the camera on its pivotal axis and the speed of the film past the exposing-slot can be regulated to meet any and all exigencies.

The'principlc upon which this camera is constructed in order to accomplish the desired results is deduced from the fact that as the diameter of the pinion 28 is torthe diameter.

of the stationary toothed Wheel 29 so is the diameter of thefeed-roll 15 to twice the'focal ten inches, and the diameter of the feed-roll 15 is six inches. It will be at once seen that the focal distance of the lens must be precisely forty inches, or one-half of eighty. In

f other words, the diameter of the stationary toothed wheel 29 divided by twice the focal distance of the lens to be used must equal the diameter of the pinion28 divided by the diameter of the feed-roll 15. Constructing the camera on these principles the necessity of the pivotal axis being at any given point with regard to the transverse axis of the lens or relative to the point where the film is exposed is obviated. It may be at any desired position relative to the optical center of the lens, either at, in front, in the rear, or at either side thereof, either in front or in the rear. This principle also allows the exposing-slot 18 to be'placed at any convenient point in the partition 4. However, it is desirable that is in operation it shall be evenly balanced, having due regard to compactness of form and other requirements, because the placing of the pivotal axis of the camera in front of the lens or in the rear of the point of exposure will be at a loss of compactness.

Inasmuch as the feed-roll 15 necessarily has its diameter increased slightly by the winding of the film thereon after exposure, it is desirable that theroll be made as large as practicable in order that the increase in the speed of the film caused. bysueh enlargement may. be neutralized by moving the lens slightly in advance of its former position when a new view is taken. The latitude of the lens will permit of this and to such an extent that the increased speed of film, which is very s ight on account of the extreme thin- Having thus described my said invention,

what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

1. in a camera, the combination of vertical standards having notches near their extremi ties, horizontal plates movable up and down said standards, a film-rollpivotally connected with said plates, and pawls pivotally attached to said plates and arranged to engage the notches in the standards whereby a higher or lower position may be given said film-roll.

2. In acamera, a plurality of notched standards, oppositelydisposed plates carrying pawls adapted to engage the notches and to hold the plates in position upon the standards, said plates being provided with pivots secured to. their opposing faces for the reception of the film-roll, and a spring mounted upon one of the opposing faces of the plates and provided with an elongated aperture.

3. In acam-rra, a plurality of notched standards, oppositely disposed. plates carrying pawls adapted to engage the notches and to hold the plates in position upon the standards, said plates being provided with pivots adapted to receive the tilmroll, and a bow-spring mounted upon one of the opposing faces of the platesand having an elongated slot therein.

4:. In a panoramic camera, the combination with an ex osu1'e+compartment,of a lens-compartment, a partition separating said com partments and provided with an exposure slot, the sides of said slot diverging toward said exposure-compartment from said lenscom artment.

5. In a panoramic camera, the combination with asupply-roll, of a feednoll, an exposurecompartment containing said rolls and having one side provided with an exposure-slot, a plate in said compartment in rear of said slot, guide-rolls mounted at the sides of said plate and arranged to guide a film between saidv plate and slot, and means for removably securing said plate and guide-rolls in place.

6. In a panoramic camera, the combination witha fixed raclnof a supply-roll, a feed-roll, a pinion mounted upon the axis of'said feedroll and adapted to engage and 7 travel said rack, an exposure-compartment having one side provided with an exposure-slot, iilm-guiding means arranged to guide a film to said slot, and a motor having a spring acting directly upon said feed-roll and pinion.

7 In a panoramic camera, the combination with a rack mounted upon a suitable support, I of a feed-roll, a pinion mounted upon the axis of the feed ro'll and adapted to travel upon said rack, a lens, an exposu re-chamber having one side provided with an exposing-slot converging toward the lens. and a motor acting upon the feed-roll and pinion.

8. In a panoramic camera, the combination with arack mounted upon a suitable support, of a feed-roll, a pinion mounted upon the axis of the feed-roll and traveling upon said rack,

a motor, and a ratchet-and-pawl connection between the motor and the axis of the feed ,roll and pinion.

9. In a panoramic camera the combination with a rack mounted upon a suitable support,

a pawl the feed-roll and-traveling upon said rack, a

ratchet-and-pawl connection between the motor and the axis of the feed-roll and pinion.

10. In apanoramic camera the combination with a circular rack mounted upon a suitable support. of a feed-roll, a pinion mounted upon the axis of the feed-roll and adapted to travel upon the rack, a motor disposed within the feed-roll, a gear-wheel carried by the motor, a second gear-wheel carried by the feed-roll, and a pawl serving to operatively connect the two gear wheels.

11. In apanoramic camera, the combination with a circular rack mounted upon a suitable support, of a feed-roll, a pinion mounted upon the axis of the feed-roll and adapted to travel upon said rack, a motor acting directly upon the axis of the feed-roll, a pinion, a speedgovernor, a train of gearing connecting the speedgovernorand the motor, and a fastand loose connection between the motor and the axis of the feed-roll and pinion. I

12." In a panoramic camera, the'co mbination with a circular rack mounted upon a suitable support, of a feed-roll, a pinion mounted upon the axis of the feed-roll and adapted to travel upon said rack, a motor' disposed within the feed-roll, a gear-wheel carried by' the motor, a second gear-wheel carried by the feed-roll,

serving to operatively connect the two gear-wheels, a speed-governor, and a train ofgearing connecting the speed-governor and the axis of the feed-roll and pinion.

13. In a panoramic camera, the combination with a circular rack mounted upon a suitable support, of a feed-roll, a pinion carried by the axis of the feed-roll and operatively connected therewith by a pawl, a motor disposed within the feed-roll, a gear-wheel carried by the motor, a second gear-wheel carried by the feedroll. a pawl serving to operatively connect the two gear-wheels, a speed-governor, a train of gearing connecting the speed-governor and the axis of the feed-roll and pinion, a frictionlock acting uponthe gearing, and means for bringing said lock into and out of operation. 14:. In. a panorgymic camera, a feed-roll, a motor. disposed within the same, lugs carried by the shaft of the feed-roll, a sleeve provided with slots adapted to be engaged by the lugs, a motor mounted upon a stub-shaft working loosely within said sleeve, a gear-wheel carried by the stub-shaft, a pawl operatively connecting the stub-shaft and sleeve, a speed-governor, and a train of gearing connecting the speed-governor and sleeve.

' 15. In a panoramic camera, the combination of a feed-roll, a motor disposed within the feed-rolha lens, and an exposure-compartment having one side provided with an exposing-slot converging toward the lens. 16. In a panoramic camera,-adapted to contain a sensitive surface, the combination of a feed-roll, a motor disposed within the feedroll, a lens, and an exposure-compartment havsinotor disposed within the feed-roll, and a 1 mg one side provided with an exposing-slot I arranged between the lens and the sensitive surface, and converging toward the lens.

1 7. In a panoramic camera, the combination of a feed-roll, a motor disposed within the feed-roll, a lens, an exposure-compartment having one side provided with an exposingslot converging toward the lens, and a fast and loose connection between the motor and the axis of the feed-roll.

18. In a panoramic camera, adapted to contain a sensitive surface, the combination of a feed-roll, a lens, a motor disposed within the feed-roll, and an exposure-compartment having one side provided with an exposing-slot disposed between the lens and the sensitive surface and converging toward the lens, and a ratchet-and-pawl connection between the motor and the feed-roll.

19. In a panoramic camera, the combination Witha circular rack mounted upon a suitable support, of a feed-roll, a pinion mountedupon the axis of the feed-roll and adapted to travel upon said rack, a motor disposed Within the feed-roll, a gear-wheel carried by the motor, a second gear-wheel carried by the feed-roll, a pawl serving to operatively connect the two gear-wheels, a sensitizedlsurface, a lens, an exposing-slot disposed between the lens and the sensitized surface, and converging toward the lens, a'speed-governor, and a train of gearing connecting the speed-governor and the axis of the feed-roll and pinion.

20. Ina panoramic camera, the combination with a circular rack mounted upon a suitable support, of afeed-roll, a pinion carried by the axis of the feed-roll and operatively connected therewith by a pawl, a motor disposed the motor, a second gear-wheel carried by the feed-roll, a pawl serving to operatively connect the two gear-wheels, a sensitized surface, a lens, an exposing-slot disposed between the lens and the sensitized surface and converging toward the lens, a speed-governor, a train of gearing connecting the speed-governor and the axis of the feed-roll and pinion, a frictionlock acting upon the gearing, and means for bringing the lock intoand out of action.

21. In a panoramic camera, the combination with a circular rackmounted upon a suitable support, of a camera mounted upon said support, rollingmembers interposed between the camera and support, a feed-roll, a motor dis posed within the feed-roll, a fast and loose connection between the motor and the axis of the feed-roll, a pinion mounted upon the axis of the feed-roll and adapted to travel upon the rack, a speed-governor, a train of gearing connecting the feed-roll and governor, and a friction-look acting upon the'train of gearing.

22. In a panoramic camera, the combination grooves-betweenthe camera and support, a

feed-roll, a pinion carried by the axis of the feed-roll and adapted to travel upon the rack,

aimotor disposed within the feed-roll and acting directly upon the same, a speed-governor, a train of gearing connecting the feed-roll and governor, and a friction-lock acting upon the train of gearing.

23. In a panoramic camera, having a train of gearing connecting a feed-roll and a gov ernor, the combination of a lock comprising a spring-pressed lever having one arm adapted to be brought into frictional contact with the gearing.

24. In a camera, a feed-roll, a motor disposed .within the feed-roll and acting directly thereon, a speed-governor, a train of gearing connecting the feed-roll and governor, and a lock comprising a spring-pressed lever having one arm adapted to be brought into frictional contact with said gearing, and the other arm so arranged as to be operable from the exterior of the camera.

25. In a panoramic camera adapted to contain a sensitive surface, a supply-roll, a feedroll, an exposure-compartment having one side provided with an exposin -slot disposed be tween the lens and the sensitive surface and converging toward the lens,- a plate in said compartment in the rear of the slot, and removable guides arranged between thesupply and the feed roll, and adapted to guide the sensitive surface between said plate and slot.

26. In a camera adapted to contain a sensitive surface, the combination of a lens, a supply-roll, a feed-roll, a compartment having an exposing-slot arranged between the sensitive surface and the lens, blocks arranged in said compartment, a plate longitudinally arranged within said compartment, guide-rolls mounted on each side of said plate, and a snap-lock removablysecuring the plate and guide-rolls in position within the block.

27. In a panoramic camera, the combination with a rack, of a pinion engaging the rack, a

film-supply roll, a feed-roll whereby the filmis.

drawn from the said film-supply roll, and a motor having a spring connected with the aforesaid feed-roll and adapted to rotate it, the said pinion being operated by the said motor and arrangedto rotate in the same time with said feed-roll.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON. Witnesses: DAVID A. REAVILLV Fnorn J. Wox. r

IYO 5 

